3 Red Wines for More than the High Holidays
There are certain wines that you think you want to save for a special occasion, like perhaps for the High Holidays, or any festivities at this time of year. But we’ve found that these 3 red wines, although excellent choices for those holidays, should also be enjoyed at any time of the year.
Herzog Lineage 2020 Malbec, Clarksburg
This Malbec from Clarksburg, California is one of several labels that are coming from that geography, out near the Sacramento River Valley. Fortunately it shows the same level of fruitiness and depth that one should look for in the American versions of this varietal. Herzog may not be everyone’s first option when it comes to a Malbec, but we definitely recommend it. A pleasant surprise for your dinner guests and friends.
Winemakers Description: • Herzog Lineage 2020 Malbec, Clarksburg – SRP $20 – Excellent Malbec from California’s Central Valley, providing amazing QPR (Quality-Price-Ratio) like all of the wines in Herzog’s Lineage series. It has medium tannins and good acidity, making it an easy-to-drink, crowd-pleasing wine.
Carmel Private Collection, Winemakers Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot
If you’ve never had wine from Israel, Carmel is a good start. The winery has been around for over 100 years, and is a good expression of the terroir of that region. In addition, it also is quite attractive to North American palates. We have noticed that many wine lovers do not even realize that it is not an American wine unless they see the label. Then they’re quite excited about their new discovery.
Winemakers Description: • Carmel Private Collection, Winemakers Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, 2019 – SRP $15 – Carmel is Israel’s pioneer modern-era winery, established in 1882. Private Collection is the winery’s value line, providing complex yet accessible and affordable wines. A classic Bordeaux-style blend, the Winemakers Blend is medium-bodied with notes of black fruit, cedar, licorice and oriental spices, and sports an elegant mouth-feel.
Shiloh Secret Reserve 2019 Petite Sirah
Shiloh is another wine from Israel, this one sourced from the Judean hills, Producing a vintage that is spicy and complex with dark colors, Shiloh’s Secret Reserve has the flavor profile one wants from an excellent Petite Sirah that has been for aged at least five years. Of note, the alcohol content is 15.5%, which in some wines would be quite high and powerful, or even as some might describe as “hot”, but in Shiloh’s Secret Reserve it is barely noticeable, and this vintage is both smooth and velvety.
Winemakers Description: • Shiloh Secret Reserve 2019 Petite Sirah – SRP $50 – From Shiloh Winery in Israel’s Judean Hills, one of the country’s most award-winning boutique wineries. Big, bold, full-flavored wine with notes of blue and black fruits, Mediterranean herbs, and toasted oak. A wonderful expression of the Petite Sirah variety which thrives in Israel’s warm climate and rich soils.
